ITC publications bring the business voice to sustainable trade, with a focus on developing countries. We offer guidance for trade policymakers, business support organizations and small firms. Our reports offer insights to make trade more inclusive, green, digital and competitive.
Greater access to information about export opportunities is essential for determining SME export success.SMEs which participate in international trade are more productive than those which do not. Integration into global and regional markets is thus likely to help close the productivity gap between...
With tourism as one of the top five sectors for 83% of developing countries, sustainable links between the handicraft sector and tourism are an important avenue for development. This training guide analyses the tourism-related handicraft value chain so that producers can improve design, quality,...
This report supports the World Trade Organization (WTO) Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender by offering an analytical framework outlining trade and trade-related impacts on women (and men) through the employment, consumption and public provision channels. It presents a step-by-step approach...
This report draws from the outcomes of the 2023 World Export Development Forum, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in June 2023. Trade voices from around the globe share their insights on green, digital and inclusive paths to trade. New trade routes are emerging in response to...
E-commerce is a vital part of commercial activity, yet few provisions on digital trade reference gender equality. This report explores policy reforms needed to bridge the gender divide on digital access, adoption and usage. The report recommends building e-commerce capacity focused on gender...
Based on data from the International Trade Centre's small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) Competitiveness Survey, this report highlights the importance of business support, financial services and digital technologies for Zimbabwean firms. Those with access to these resources are more competitive,...
This report advises governments on tackling gender inequality and promoting women’s economic empowerment when implementing the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA). It recommends helping women traders access vital information about their rights, border crossing times,...
International companies have become an increasingly important partner for ITC in its work to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries connect to world markets. Companies that already do business across borders have the expertise SMEs need to navigate complex...
Tourism's huge potential for job growth and sustainable development justifies a greater share of aid and coordinated export strategies, outlined in this joint ITC- UNWTO report. Just 0.78% of Aid for Trade went to tourism in 2013, though the sector accounts for 6% of developing...
This report provides policymakers with recommendations on how to build the resilience of women-led businesses in the long term. This includes policy actions to improve the competitiveness of women-led businesses, address the barriers they face when participating in trade, and make the...
Four sectors are key to a services-led economic transformation. This report names them ‘connected services.’ Transport and logistics, financial services, information and communication technologies (ICT), and business and professional services contribute directly to economic growth and...
Many micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face significant barriers to realizing their potential in digital trade. From a lack of knowledge and skills to the unavailability of services or lack of access to a supportive environment, small businesses may find it challenging to...
